One of Louisiana’s favorite Christmas traditions is the Bonfires on the Levee, a niche staple of the River Parishes’ culture. The tradition of lighting bonfires on the river levees dates back to the earliest settlers of the regions of southern Louisiana to the west and north of New Orleans.
Due to the inclement weather forecast for Christmas Eve, the Christmas Eve Lighting of the Bonfires has been rescheduled to December 23rd at 7:00 p.m.
This was a unified decision in conjunction with St. James Parish Officials, St. John Parish Officials, the Town of Lutcher, the Town of Gramercy, the St. James Parish Volunteer Fire Department, the St. John Parish Fire Department, St. James Sheriff Office, St. John Sheriff Office, and the Pontchartrain Levee Board.
Parish President Pete Dufresne said, “Rescheduling the lighting of the bonfires is a hard decision, but our citizen’s and visitor’s safety is of the highest importance to each of our offices. What’s important to remember is that while the date may have changed, we still have the opportunity to gather with family and friends to celebrate Christmas and honor our cherished tradition.”
Bonfires on the Levee, often called Christmas Eve Bonfires, is a centuries-old holiday tradition just a short drive from Baton Rouge and New Orleans in Louisiana’s River Parishes. During the weeks that follow Thanksgiving, families and friends come together atop the Mississippi River levees to construct nearly two hundred 20-foot-high wooden bonfires that celebrate and honor the region’s storied past. Parades, festivals, and open houses during Bonfire Season build anticipation for the spectacular Bonfires on the Levee on Christmas Eve.
What are the Bonfires on the Levee?
These massive bonfires on the river levees are intended to light the way for “Papa Noël,” the Cajun Santa Claus. Louisianans gather to watch these spectacular bonfires and enjoy a free show, and, in some locales, free bowls of hot gumbo are served up by local residents. The blazes are often accompanied by displays of fireworks, set off by the fires themselves.
The earliest bonfires on the levees were relatively simple in design and assembly, with long logs arranged into a pyramid-shaped cone, some as high as twenty feet. Shorter horizontal logs holding the structure in place gave it a ladder-like appearance. – NewOrelans.com
The Christmas bonfires are mostly pyramid-shaped, but some can be more fanciful assemblages paying tribute to each area’s culture and heritage—shapes ranging from replica paddlewheel steamships to local critters like alligators or pelicans. Bonfires are built by families, friends and co-workers who visit, cook and mingle between the fires. It’s a local celebration with an environment akin to football tailgating, and the practice has continued for generations. – Louisianatravel.com
When are the Christmas Eve Bonfires on the levee?
At dusk, usually around 7:00 p.m., the structures are doused and set ablaze, lighting the sky and the surrounding area with towering flames that would be impossible for Papa Noël and his reindeer to miss.
Due to the inclement weather forecast for Christmas Eve, the Christmas Eve Lighting of the Bonfires has been rescheduled to December 23rd at 7:00 p.m.
Where are the Christmas Eve Bonfires on the levee?
Just drive down state highways 18 and 44 on Christmas Eve, and you’ll notice long lines of spectators’ cars parked at the foot of the levees.
The best viewing is by car along the east- and west-bank River Roads and by walking along the levees. Private Bonfire gatherings are held along the river, but onlookers passing by on foot will likely be offered a smile and some holiday cheer.